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Honey Soy Baked Chicken Thighs Recipe

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4.1 from 15 reviews

Honey Soy Baked Chicken Thighs are a flavorful and easy-to-make dish featuring tender, juicy boneless chicken thighs marinated in a sweet and savory honey soy glaze. Perfectly baked and finished with a broil to achieve a golden, slightly charred crust, this recipe promises a delicious balance of umami, sweetness, and a hint of aromatic sesame and ginger. Ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prep, served best over rice or your favorite low-carb sides.

Ingredients

Marinade and Chicken

  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
  • 2 tablespoons cooking oil (vegetable oil or canola oil)
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons garlic, minced (or 4 large cloves garlic, minced)
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar (apple cider or rice wine vinegar – optional)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
  • 3/4 teaspoon fresh minced ginger
  • 2 1/2 pounds skinless boneless chicken thighs
  • 1 pinch salt (to season)
  • 1 pinch pepper (to season)

Garnish

  • 1 pinch fresh parsley, chopped
  • Optional: sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a shallow bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, green onions, cooking oil, garlic, vinegar, sesame oil, and minced ginger. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated and set aside.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry using paper towels, then trim off any excess fat. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Place the chicken in the bowl with the marinade, ensuring each piece is coated well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to infuse.
  3. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for baking.
  4. Bake the Chicken: Transfer the marinated chicken and the marinade into a cast iron skillet or baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. Flip the chicken twice during baking to keep the top moist and prevent drying out.
  5. Broil for Finishing: After baking, switch your oven to broil at high heat. Broil the chicken for about 5 minutes until the edges turn golden brown and slightly charred. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (70°C) for safe consumption.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped fresh parsley and optional sesame seeds. Serve the chicken with its pan juices poured over steamed rice, cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, regular noodles, or mashed potatoes as preferred.

Notes

  • Marinating overnight enhances the flavor but a minimum of 30 minutes will still yield tasty results.
  • Using low sodium soy sauce helps reduce sodium content without sacrificing flavor.
  • Flipping chicken during baking ensures even cooking and prevents drying out.
  • Broiling at the end adds a delicious caramelized finish and charred edges.
  • Feel free to substitute skinless chicken thighs with bone-in if preferred; adjust cooking time accordingly.
  • Serve with a side of steamed vegetables for a complete meal.